For the past 12 years, community philanthropist Joel “Dara” Robinson – popularly known for his numerous community initiatives – has organized an annual fundraising tribute to honor one of the most widely known reggae musicians of all time, the late Bob Marley.

This year, the tribute, entitled “Give Thanks and Praise”, will be held on Sunday, February 9, and will be taking place at Bird’s Isle, located on Yarborough Road in southside Belize City.

Today, Dara commented to Amandala on the purpose of the event and what it entails. Robinson stated, “I’m just trying to make it better for the youths who are out there struggling from day-to-day just to get 3 meals a day. To sustain my community work, I have to do fundraising, and so I am looking forward to this tribute in February to honor an icon like Bob Marley.”

The modest community activist has a feeding program that caters to 40 children. He told us that it was his experiences in school that prompted him to come up with this initiative to provide meals for kids.

However, he has to find the funding to keep it running, so he often looks for support from regular civilians, as well as the business community in order to maintain the program. “On February 9, we’re having the 12th Annual Tribute to Bob Marley. But first, we will be doing our Annual Food Drive. That will be on Thursday, February 6 – which is Bob Marley’s birthday – and it will happen on the MCC Tennis Court from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.”, said Robinson.

He appealed to all sectors of society to pitch in. “For this food drive, I am inviting [members of] the churches, government, the Opposition, NGO’s, business people, citizens, visitors and anyone who can come. We’re not asking for any big bag of groceries; if you come with one can of canned food, that will be accepted. We are not charging anything to enter; food and drinks will be on sale and music will be provided”, he mentioned.

Dara explained that all types of food items will be accepted, as long as they are not expired. He said that everyone is invited to this event, but at the same time, he pleaded for good behavior on the part of those who attend.

Robinson also assured his supporters that the Tribute to Bob Marley will be a fun-filled event which will be held in a good, clean environment to support a worthy cause. He said, “For the tribute to Bob Marley on February 9 – that will include some of the biggest DJs and selectors in Belize, along with live shows and video presentations featuring Bob Marley. On the line-up, I will have musical entertainment by Unity Sounds, Mad Rocka, Tony G, Lindy D, and Cloud 9 Sounds from Belmopan. It will be a nice show, so I am asking members of the public to come out and enjoy the show. We are charging a small entrance fee of $7 to enter, and again, we are asking those who attend to conduct themselves properly and respect each other.”

At that point, he emphasized another reason that the show is being held – to promote unity and peace among the different communities. He stated, “I want to say to the Belizean youths, that it’s time to end the senseless killings. But, these things happen when the youths don’t have any opportunities for employment or self-betterment, so I appeal to the government to help with providing jobs because some youths only need a chance to work, and they will show up to work. My message to those in the streets is to stop making our mothers cry and stop hurting each other because too many of our children are left fatherless due to the crime and violence.”

For those who can’t make it for the food drive, he said that a barrel will be at the gate of the show to collect additional food items.

To learn more about Dara’s feeding program, he said, “If people want to get in contact with me, my phone number is 623-3662 and you can call me anytime. Anybody who wants to check out the food program can come to #6 Dunn Street between 12:00 and 12:30 in the afternoon and see it for themselves.

He also said that he wishes to thank everyone who participated in making the show possible, including those who have donated or plan to donate food items.